It’s Just Policy

Company Policy

The worst thing about policy is when it’s JUST policy. When a policy is seen that way it will only be followed when someone is watching.

The other worst thing about it is that it isn’t followed because your people don’t understand it.

So step one for a policy to be good would be that it has to be understandable by those it affects. For it to be understandable, it needs to be in language that is easy to understand.

Step two of a good policy is that people follow the policy. Training everyone is a good first step, but training the leadership and getting both their buy-in and their commitment to upholding the policy is key. Once your leadership team and thought leaders believe in a policy it is then an effective policy.

Step three is to constantly review each and every policy so they can remain relevant and useful for the organization.

Procedure

Good procedures are often very similar to good policies in numerous important aspects. They need to be straightforward and easy to understand, ensuring that everyone involved can clearly grasp the key points without any ambiguity. Additionally, they should be simple to follow, allowing individuals to easily navigate through the steps without any confusion or misunderstanding. Ultimately, effective procedures must also feel like the only sensible and logical way to complete the task at hand, creating a seamless and efficient experience for all users engaged in the process.

Policy and procedure writing involves the development of clear, concise documents that outline an organization's rules, standards, and operational procedures. This process typically includes identifying the purpose and scope of each policy, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, and defining the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders. Well-crafted policies and procedures serve as a framework for consistent decision-making and provide employees with guidance on expected behaviors and processes. The writing should be easily accessible and understandable to promote adherence and facilitate training, ultimately contributing to the organization's overall effectiveness and efficiency.